How to Train My Horse That Keeps Running Away

When a horse bolts, or runs away with its rider, it is usually due to lack of communication or trust. First, determine the reason why your horse might be running away. Is it scared, mad or confused? Are you giving the correct cues? Or, is there a physical problem, such as a sore back or mouth? Have a vet check your horse physically before exploring behavioral issues. Set up training sessions using a regular routine. Start slow, with groundwork, before graduating to riding. When mounted, work on the basics and stop the sessions when the horse is responding positively. Wait until the horse has been at lower paces for several sessions before attempting to canter. Use your four natural aids: hands, legs seat and voice.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle
  • Saddle
  • Lunge line
  • Lunge whip
  • Fenced arena
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Instructions

    • 1

      Groom your horse before tacking up, especially the sensitive areas around the withers and girth. Check the tack you are using on your horse. Make sure the saddle fits properly and that the girth does not pinch. Evaluate the bit to make sure it is not causing discomfort or sores. Try an assortment of bits; curb bits are stronger but some horses stop better with a simple snaffle. Or, try a bridle with no bit in the mouth such as a hackamore, which works on pressure on the nose and chin.

    • 2

      Build trust by starting with groundwork. Use voice commands to reinforce requests. Stand at the horse's head and lead him while saying, "Walk on." Then, stop and pull gently on the reins and say. "Whoa." Use the same approach while working the horse on a lunge line with a bridle. Raise the whip waist level to walk, and point to the ground to halt while using rein and voice aids. Keep early sessions simple with walk or trot with halts.

    • 3

      Ride in a fenced arena without obstacles and distractions. Start with walk-halt exercises, so the horse anticipates stopping. Prepare for a halt by sitting deep with your heels pushed down hard. Use your voice command and then gently pull on the reins. Relax your reins and seat, pause and then ask to walk on. Repeat your command if your horse tries to move before your signal. Practice circle patterns such as spiral in - spiral out and serpentines. Bend the horse with your inside leg and your inside shoulder back, keeping your shoulders in line with the horse's shoulder. Squeeze and relax the inside rein for direction while keeping the outside rein steady to determine the size of the circle or bend.

    • 4

      Ask for a canter when the walk-trot work is consistently obedient. Give the signal to canter when the horse is on the rail at a working trot. Steady your outside rein and press your outside leg slightly behind the girth to request the inside lead. Move your seat in time with the horse's motion to encourage forward pace, and stop rocking and sit deep to return to a trot and walk. Use your reins gently and your voice calmly. Slow to a trot after only a few strides of canter. Do several transitions and changes of direction to keep the horse's attention.

    • 5

      Practice bending the horse's head to your knee at a standstill. Flex the neck in both directions to keep the horse supple, and this technique can be used for an emergency if the horse tries to bolt, buck or rear.